Bikes on the S.S. Badger

[mplisa]

Hi Michiganders and Wisconsinites. I am thinking about taking the Badger across the Lake on my cross-country trip this year. Has anyone done this before? What kind of tie-downs would you recommend and from where (to purchase)? Thanks - Mark

[20774]

Mark -

I found some older threads here:

https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread...Ferry-Tie-Down

https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread...Tie-Down-Hints

You can also try going to google and typing "site:forums.bmwmoa.org badger" into the search box...I saw quite a few more threads that seemed to be about this ferry ride.

[flyhi2cfar]

In 2018, Badger tie-downs were of a "mixed condition"... some looked newer & nice, others well exercised & grungy/dirty.

One thing to remember, the Badger and ALL OTHERS I've used everywhere... Alaska, Mexico, Canadian Maritimes & multiple rides stateside...

Ferries USE Commercial Quality Equipment; not the stuff you usually see hanging in stores we generally shop.

It's large & robust for strength & durability.

Your friend in adapting this equipment is for you to bring multiple "Soft Ties"... preventing their hardware from directly touching the bike.

Double them up & extend as necessary... they pack tight.

"travel'n" John

[skibum69]

I used My Mosko Moto cinch straps on my last Alaska crossing, on the Newfoundland ferries I always use the ones provided. Personally rusty hooks direct to my bikes does not bother me.

[ExGMan]

You might want to consider the fast ferry at Muskegon/Milwaukee (https://www.lake-express.com). Transit time 2.5 hours vs. 4 hours.

[PGlaves]

You might want to consider the fast ferry at Muskegon/Milwaukee (https://www.lake-express.com). Transit time 2.5 hours vs. 4 hours.

Thanks for mentioning this alternative. It might appeal to some riders. But, I am too old to care about an extra hour and a half on a boat if the alternative means I have to go to Milwaukee. I just don't like major cities.

[179212]

Not only is Milwaukee unpleasant to drive through if you are heading west which you are the roads from Milwaukee funnel you South and west to northern Illinois or to the Madison area both cluster areas if you go north to miss these areas you might as well take the other ferry. I personally would ride around the north side of Lake Michigan to miss the Milwaukee, Madison areas.
Edit: cycle gear has a nice set of tie downs

F2233597-C7C0-495C-ACA7-23F1010D3EDE.png

[20774]

The OP seems to be more interested in tie downs for the ferry. Just sayin'...

[Lee]

A few years ago on a trip to the New England states I thought we might take one of the ferries across Lake Michigan so I carried some soft ties my wife made and some light duty straps.
We didn't end up taking the ferry but something basic like these should work.
This was enough straps for two bikes.
Straps.jpg

[GTRider]

On the ferries I’ve ridden, including the cross-gulf ferry to Whittier in Alaska, the crews have had no issues with me tying down my own bikes and appreciated that I came prepared. I carried a half-dozen soft ties and three or four regular tie-down straps that I normally use on my trailer—like the ones in Lee’s picture. On some ferries the tie-down points in the deck are configured to hold a t-shaped metal end on the ferry straps, but I had no trouble getting hooked in. If you tie the bike on it’s sidestand make sure to include a strap to tie the sidestand to the front fork so it can’t be accidentally retracted.

Best,
DeVern

[hexst]

On the Badger you tie down your bike. you ride it into the hold and put the front tire against the bulkhead(wall) next to other bikes parked the same way. there are ample tie downs of serious strengths as Travl'n John said use your soft ties on the bike and there are slots on the deck to anchor the hook end to, very steady.The bulkhead keeps bike from moving forward and the three point stance of the bike with the tires and sidestand combined with the straps works well.

[Omega Man]

On the ferries I’ve ridden, including the cross-gulf ferry to Whittier in Alaska, the crews have had no issues with me tying down my own bikes and appreciated that I came prepared. I carried a half-dozen soft ties and three or four regular tie-down straps that I normally use on my trailer—like the ones in Lee’s picture. On some ferries the tie-down points in the deck are configured to hold a t-shaped metal end on the ferry straps, but I had no trouble getting hooked in. If you tie the bike on it’s sidestand make sure to include a strap to tie the sidestand to the front fork so it can’t be accidentally retracted.

Best,
DeVern

Never been on a ferry but have tied a few things down. Along with the above, I like to have the bike in first gear and sometimes wrap the front brake lever to keep the wheel from turning.
Big fan of Ancra cam lock straps.
OM

[SHAG]

Hi Michiganders and Wisconsinites. I am thinking about taking the Badger across the Lake on my cross-country trip this year. Has anyone done this before? What kind of tie-downs would you recommend and from where (to purchase)? Thanks - Mark

I've used Ancra Tie downs for decades. You only need 2 of them. https://www.amazon.com/Ancra-49380-1...%2C240&sr=8-10

Don't forget to put your ticket in the jar at the store to win a pizza !

[jgoertz]

...and if you're of a certain age, don't forget to ask for the "Sr Discount" for your ticket.

[vark]

I've used Ancra Tie downs for decades. You only need 2 of them...

Any photos of this 2-strap tie-down method?